Senior Specialist in American Art

Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong where we sell in over 60 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewelry, and entertainment memorabilia.

Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important.

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

About the Role
The Senior Specialist, American Art is a senior member of the American Art department, responsible for driving business development, securing high-value consignments, and contributing to strong auction results in American Art. Working within a national team and reporting to the Head of American Art, this role combines deep connoisseurship with strong commercial acumen.

The Senior Specialist plays a critical role in cultivating client relationships, identifying opportunities for growth, and managing all aspects of the consignment process—from initial appraisal through sale execution—while supporting departmental strategy and market leadership.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Business Development & Client Relations

Build and maintain a strong national network of collectors, dealers, advisors, curators, and institutions in the New England region

Identify and secure consignments through proactive outreach, relationship management, and strategic business‑getting

Deliver auction valuations, proposals, and formal appraisals to clients with professionalism and accuracy

Act as a primary point of contact for New England consignors and buyers, ensuring a high level of client service throughout the auction cycle

Collaborate with the Head of American Art and specialist colleagues to evaluate property and determine estimates, reserves, and sale strategies

Support the successful execution of sales out of Marlborough through targeted client outreach and engagement

Participate actively in pre‑sale exhibitions and auctions, including client interaction and telephone bidding

Research, authenticate, and catalogue works of American art, including paintings, sculpture, and works on paper

Prepare and review catalogue entries, condition reports, and scholarly content with a high degree of accuracy and insight

Ensure consistency in style, content, and quality across all sale materials

Appraisals & Valuations

Conduct fair market, insurance, and estate appraisals for a variety of clients

Conduct appraisals for private clients and institutional collections

Provide expert guidance on collection development, valuation, and market trends

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Work

Partner with internal teams including Marketing, Press, Photography, Production, and Client Development to position sales effectively

Contribute to press materials, marketing campaigns, and targeted selling strategies

Liaise across departments to identify cross‑category opportunities and support broader business growth

Represent the company at auctions, gallery openings, art fairs, and institutional events

Maintain current knowledge of market trends, artists, and competitor activity

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your manager.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Art History or related field preferred

5+ years of relevant experience in an auction house, gallery, art advisory firm, or institution

Demonstrated expertise in American Art (from Colonial to Contemporary), with knowledge of New England Art strongly preferred

Broad knowledge of European art from Old Masters to the present strongly recommended

Proven track record of business‑getting, as well as meeting and exceeding sales targets

Established client base and strong industry relationships

Key Skills and Attributes

Deep art historical knowledge combined with strong market awareness and commercial instincts

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences

Strong negotiation, presentation, and client management abilities

Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, results‑driven approach

High level of organization, attention to detail, and project management capability

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment

Discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment in handling confidential information

Foreign language skills (e.g., French, German, Italian) and USPAP certification highly advantageous

Additional Requirements

Willingness to travel domestically as needed

Flexibility to support auctions and events outside standard business hours

What We Offer
In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:

Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA

20 days paid time off (PTO)

12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day

16 weeks fully paid parental leave (after one year) and flexible work arrangements

401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (after one year)

Life insurance with AD&D

Short‑ and long‑term disability

Commuter benefits (transit and parking)

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Professional development: free online training and expansive content library

Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program

Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast

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